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Why Pursue an Online Architecture Degree?

Architecture isn't about building the highest skyscraper or the most efficient house. It's about melding together form and function seamlessly to create something that enhances the quality of life for both the people who will visit the structure every day and the average passerby that takes a glimpse at its facade. It's an art of the highest caliber that affects home owners, big businesses and everything in between.

If you've ever found inspiration in a city skyline, an online degree in architecture may be perfect for you. Pursuing a career as a licensed architect is no small feat. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals typically have to complete a three-step process[i]. They have to earn a professional degree in architecture, get experience through a paid internship and achieve an appropriate score on the Architect Registration Exam. Like any other journey, it all begins with a first step, and signing up for online architecture courses may be a great starting point.

A Glimpse into the Realm of an Online Architecture Degree

Planning and designing a house, office building or skyscraper is a tremendous process, and it all starts at the drawing board. You may conjure up thoughts of construction workers and foremen being led by an architect holding a sheet of blueprints on a construction site, but the majority of the work occurs well before this point. The BLS noted that architects spend a majority of their time in an office space. Here, they speak with clients, seek advice from engineers and collaborate with other architects on future projects. From time to time, these professionals also make trips to construction sites to oversee progress on a particular structure. Roughly 20 percent of architects were self-employed in 2012, according to the BLS, showing that a notable portion also focus on more independent opportunities.

Possible Salaries for Careers in Architecture

Your salary as an architect is largely decided by your level of education, your experience in the industry and your skill. Architects with bigger projects and greater responsibilities are typically paid more, but are expected to have tremendous expertise. Moreover, jobs related to architecture are largely affected by the same criteria. Consider the following careers, with statistics compiled by the BLS in 2012.

Additional skills required for a career in architecture

A mastery of architecture is achieved through a delicate mixture of artistic, intellectual and technical prowess. Professionals must be able to think conceptually about big projects while solving a flurry of more practical issues - all the while considering the aesthetics of their creations and the impact a structure will have on its environment. Moreover, a thorough understanding of the industry's latest tools and rich history is necessary to achieve at a high level.